The Top 10 Live is a collaborative effort between Indy.com and Indianapolismusic.net

1. North Mississippi Allstars w/ Jimbo Mathus

8:30 p.m. May 22; The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave.; $17.50; (317) 259-7029.

The North Mississippi Allstars made their mark by performing the Southern blues that helped inspire rock 'n' roll. On seven albums, the group has crafted a raw, electric sound that still captures the essence of the Mississippi Delta. They're touring behind their latest album, "Hernando." Mississippi-born blues artist Jimbo Mathus, who also performs with the group Squirrel Nut Zippers, opens.

2. Fez Fest '08 feat. The Dockers, Vinyl Shriner & Playboy Psychonauts

10 p.m. May 23; Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St.; $5; (317) 923-4707.

The fez is one of the more misunderstood members of the hat family. Favored primarily by Shriners and gentlemen of the Ottoman Empire, the fez has recently become a fashion statement of choice for certain Indy bands. A trio of fez wearers unites on Friday to celebrate their fez-ness (or is it fez-itude?). Punk rockers The Dockers, longtime favorites Vinyl Shriner and sitar lounge act The Playboy Pyschonauts will compare sounds and hats throughout the night.

3. Memorial Day cookout/Gates of Slumber CD release show

4 p.m. May 26; Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St.; $8; (317) 923-4707.

Along with food from its grill, the Melody Inn serves a menu of hard rock topped off by doom rockers Gates of Slumber's CD release show. Gates of Slumber will be joined by Chicago's Bible of the Devil, along with Indy acts Lafcadio, Denoggonizer and Apostle of Solitude.

4. Stone Temple Pilots

3:30 p.m. May 23; Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.; $10; (317) 492-6700.

One of the city's biggest and best pre-race parties, Carb Day has attracted big-name acts in recent years to cap off the music at the track. This year, the recently re-formed Stone Temple Pilots do the honors. Expect a rundown of the popular alt-rock band's hits.

5. Robert Earl Keen w/ Matt King

9 p.m. May 23; Music Mill, 3720 E. 82nd St.; $20; (317) 841-1850.

There must be something in the water in Texas that produces all the poignant and witty songwriters who call the state home. Robert Earl Keen's work walks the line between touching ballads and humorous rave-ups. Along the way he's earned fans from the alt-country, folk and college crowds.

6. Everything, Now; Quiet Hooves; Grampall Jookabox

9 p.m. May 23; Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St.; $5; (317) 955-0995.

"Experimental" should be the password that admits you to this show featuring bands that push the boundaries of pop music. Everything, Now! has made its name locally by gathering like-minded musicians and producing a sort of community pop complete with sing-alongs. Grampall Jookabox pushes on the envelope of folk while Quiet Hooves of Athens, Ga., covers much musical ground with its 10-member lineup.

7. X103 May Day

2 p.m. May 24; Verizon Wireless Music Center, 12800 E. 146th St., Noblesville; $19.50-$39.50; (317) 776-8181

Verizon Wireless Music Center's opening weekend kicks off with the annual May Day concert, featuring popular modern rock bands. The 2008 lineup includes 3 Doors Down, Seether, Finger Eleven, Theory of a Deadman and Atreyu.

8. Here Come the Mummies w/ Soul Love Universe

9 p.m. May 25; The Vogue, 6259 N. College Ave.; $15; (317) 259-7029.

The Vogue rarely lets a big local event go by without inviting club favorite Here Come the Mummies to perform. This time, the band takes the stage for revelers looking to keep their race-day parties going. The group won local fans with its party-time funk sound and odd mummy costumes. Expect no less than a packed house for this band from Nashville, Tenn.

9. Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund Benefit

8 p.m. May 22; Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St.; $5 minimum donation; (317) 923-4707.

Support an important effort (a fund that provides college grants and financial aid to children and families of soldiers who died or suffered severe disabilities in Iraq and Afghanistan) while taking in a show featuring local acts Idle Villains, The Common, Stockwell Road, and People Vs. Radio.

10. Larry Coryell

8 and 10 p.m. May 23; Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.; $20; (317) 253-4900.

Guitarist Larry Coryell's work in jazz fusion is considered so influential that one music writer dubbed him "the Godfather of Fusion." Coryell has filled his 40-year career with nearly 60 albums as well as performances with stars from the jazz and rock worlds.